Computer Game Schools
Do You Really Have What It Takes?
Here, in a nutshell, is what you need to know to win a job on a video game development team: It's harder than anything you’ve ever done.
According to industry website www.gamasutra.com, over 300 schools offer coursework or degrees in video game development. They'd love to help you prepare. But finding and completing schoolwork is the easy part.
Getting a video game development job is a long shot.
You'll typically have to beat out 20 to 30 or more good applicants for every open slot on a development team. You need to be talented and work very hard to make that talent stand out.
If you get the job and join a development team, look forward to 18 months or 2 years of extremely hard work, often 10-12 hours a day and 6 or 7 days a week.
Are You Still Reading This?
Then you might have the passion and commitment you need to develop a video game. Next you'll need to find your specialty fast and focus on being the best at it. Here are some notes to help you get started.
Art
Specialize in original characters, or amazing environments and environmental detail. How much personality and believability can you put into your portfolio? Use every minute of school to sharpen your portfolio.
Animation
Hone your drawing skills, as they're key to creating realistic 3-D animation.
Game Design
Some of the top game designers are also programmers. This helps them understand what's possible as they work out their detailed level maps of gameplay.
Programming
As a code warrior your fast, clean and elegant coding will make or break the game. Use school to develop working game prototypes. Seek out deliverables and deadlines.
Producer
Do you have a vision of what the game should be, and can guide creative types to deliver it on time and on budget? Train as an Assistant and Associate Producer.
QA Analyst
This ideal entry level job, though low paying, can get your foot in the door. Try to be one while going to school. Seek a school around game development companies, and contact them.
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